EXCLUSIVE: Barry in contention for shock England recall... four years after taking blame for World Cup humiliation

Gareth Barry is back on Roy Hodgson's radar ahead of next week's friendly against Denmark.

The on-loan Everton midfielder has not featured for England in almost two years but Hodgson has been impressed with his performances this season and could include the former Aston Villa star in the squad he will name this Thursday.

Having fallen out of favour at Manchester City last year, the 33-year-old has enjoyed something of a renaissance under Roberto Martinez at Goodison Park and his performances have not gone unnoticed by England.

In form: Gareth Barry has impressed for Everton this season, but has not played for England for two years

Out of favour: Barry is on loan from Manchester City, from where he was shipped out by Manuel Pellegrini

Barry has impressed in the centre of Everton's midfield alongside Ireland star James McCarthy as the Toffees have sustained an unlikely challenge for a Champions League place.

Competition for places in the centre of the park for England is fierce with Michael Carrick, Frank Lampard, Jack Wilshere and Jordan Henderson all bidding to partner captain Steven Gerrard.

But Barry - who was injured in the build-up to Euro 2012 and has not been called up by Hodgson since - now has a realistic chance of going to a second World Cup.

Rival: Arsenal star Jack Wilshere is one of several midfielders competing to partner Steven Gerrard

On the ball: Jordan Henderson (centre) is another in-form player looking to catch Roy Hodgson's eye

The former Aston Villa man, who has earned 53 England caps since making his debut in 2000, made three appearances at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

But the sight of him being easily outstripped by Mesut Ozil as Germany ran riot during their 4-1 crushing of England in the last 16 was thought to epitomise the Three Lions' lack of pace and technical skill in comparison with the world's best sides at that competition.

The now Arsenal midfielder ghosted past a sluggish Barry to steal the ball and run clear through on goal before squaring for an unmarked Thomas Muller to tap in Germany's fourth goal and complete the rout.

Barry has repeatedly stated his desire to
earn an England recall, but admitted last month that he had not been
holding out much hope until recently.

Centre of attention: Barry (middle) was thought to sum up England's woes at the 2010 World Cup

Foul: Barry struggles to get to grips with Thomas Muller during the 4-1 humiliation

Nemesis: Mesut Ozil (right) gave Barry a torrid time when setting up Germany's fourth goal

'The World Cup was not in my mind,' he told the Telegraph. 'Roy Hodgson’s impression of me was training for 10 days, half a game and I came off with a hernia. It was not good in the back of his mind about Gareth Barry in terms of what he’s seen close up.

'But I’ve had more headlines (at Everton) than I did at City in four years. It’s because the manager speaks so highly of me, believes in me, and isn’t frightened to tell everyone as well.